Biography

Initially called the "new Chaka Khan" or "Aretha Franklin," Mary J. Blige had little in common stylistically with either of those artists, but like them, she added new flavors to R&B that inspired a generation of musicians. Rightfully dubbed "the queen of hip-hop soul," Blige was both street-tough and beautiful, and as she exorcized her demons and softened her style, she remained a hero to thousands of girls who grew up with a similarly tough background. After debuting in 1992 with the multi-platinum What's the 411?, Blige effectively progressed throughout her career, whether she worked with Puff Daddy, Chucky Thompson, the Neptunes, Babyface, or Disclosure. Almost all of her albums topped Billboard's R&B chart -- proof of her enduring relevance. ~ Stacia Proefrock